After more than 2 years of steady fundraising, the MRF is in good shape and has now launched 4 projects as part of its “success through development “strategy.

We now have 85 members of the foundation. These donations have enabled the MRF to safely invest its core capital of $100,000, and has sufficient surplus to execute on four projects we believe reflect the objectives and values of the Foundation

Each of these projects have been approved by the Australian Sports Foundation. This is of course essential in securing tax effective donations and is a process closely monitored by the ASF. This requires us to account directly to the ASF for expenditure under each project on half yearly basis.

MRF Project 1—Colts scholarship programme. The first ever scholarship of this nature has been awarded to Will Haskins. Will was the outstanding recommendation of the Colts selection panel after a wide ranging search for our first scholarship winner. Will is a local junior from the Manly Roos, won his blue in the GPS 1st XV last year and played for the NSW schoolboy 1st XV in the National Championship—he plays as half-back. Key to his selection is the leadership he has already shown within the squad and his professionalism, especially in recovery from serious injury last year. He has commenced studies for a Bachelor of Business at UTS. Other candidates are in the pipeline.

MRF Project 2—Northern Beaches Rugby Pathway. In many respects this is our most exciting , most important project for 2017. Based upon an excellent rugby development programme for high schools designed by Tom Crerar, the inaugural MRF Gala day will be held on June 20th at Nolans Reserve between 930am-230pm. This projects involves 14 high schools in the northern beaches and north shore area. Our development team will attend all schools to instruct u13, u15 and open teams , boys and girls, in the Olympic sport of rugby sevens. There is no other support for rugby in these selected schools.

MRF Project 3—Refurbishment of the Kierle Park facilities. Perhaps more mundane but nevertheless a very long overdue upgrade to these training facilities. This will benefit not just the senior club, but the colts, and all junior rugby clubs that use the ground throughout the playing season. This was very much a joint project that has secured real leverage. An initiative of the Manly Marlins, the MRF joined the consortium that also includes the Manly Junior Rugby---the combined impact was to secure both Local Council and Federal Grants for the refurbishment. This will commence once certain planning matters are finalised

MRF Project 4—Manly Barbarians to Paris 2017. Clubs from the Manly Junior Rugby Union have pooled resources to attend the famous Tournoi des Capitales in Paris in September 2017. School teams, both boys and girls, have been invited from around the world to participate in this famous event. The Manly Barbarians will also participate in the 100th anniversary services recognising the Battles of Villers Bretonneaux and Longueval. With the direct approval of the ASF, the MRF has been able to pass through the tax benefits of ASF donations to the Barbarians. This is worth noting for all clubs intending to undertake such tours and need to fund raise as part of that process.

So as MRF moves into execution phase, its a big thankyou to everyone that has donated to and supported the Foundation.

These are our first projects, we expect to learn much during execution and we shape keep you updated on our next initiatives. We are always open to suggestions and recommendations – contact board members Matt Curl, Steve Williams or Bill Calcraft This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

80 minutes in 80 seconds: Manly fans have been waiting a long time for this match after Norths kept us out of the last year's finals series with an after-the-bell sideline conversion. The Shoremen then stormed through the play-offs to win their first premiership since 1975. They lobbed at the Village Green on the back of 19 straight wins, wary that their last loss had been at the hands of Manly almost a year to the day. The hosts got off to a flyer, with a try from the back of a rolling maul and a Tommy Chesters intercept setting up a 14-0 lead. A converted try to Norths narrowed the gap to seven before Matt Lucas eased us 10 points in front with a penalty. The premiers struck back to score a try and consecutive penalties, nosing ahead 18-17 after half an hour. With Norths losing a player to the sin bin on halftime, Lucas restored Manly's lead with a penalty. Matty's left boot provided the only points of a gripping second half as the Marlins ground out a tough five-point victory.

Where it was won: It's fair to say both teams weren't quite at their best, but there was no lack of intensity, enthusiasm and physicality. Manly's goal-line defence and scramble – along with Lucas' trusty boot - was the difference in the end

What they said: "There is a long way to go so we can’t read too much into a round seven result, but beating a quality side like Norths certainly gives us plenty of confidence. The good thing is we know we can play a lot better." – Manly captain Adrian Hall

Odd Spot: There were a few raised eyebrows when the Marlins elected to shoot for goal at 70 minutes with Norths dropped to 14 men after losing a player to the bin for the second time in the game. But it was the right move. Matty Lucas' penalty meant the Shoremen had to go all out for a try to win it, rather than take advantage of several penalties from close range. They couldn’t manage a late five pointer and the Marlins are now the only undefeated team left in the comp.

Where to from here: The Marlins are on the road, taking in the sights of Chatswood for a tricky clash with the much improved Gordon

The Marlins are on a roll, and we need your support to see us through the season! With our Top of the Table Clash this weekend, and Derby Day in just a couple of weeks, don't miss the opportunity to purchase our special 4 game pass and head down to the Village Green to enjoy Club Rugby at it's very best.

The passes will be available on the Sydney Road gates on Saturday, or otherwise follow this link to book your pass today!

80 minutes in 80 seconds: The Wicks arrived at Manly with four wins from five and were quietly confident they could be the first team this year to leave the Village Green with the four competition points. That confidence looked well founded when the visitors jumped out to a 13-5 lead midway through the first half. But Manly held their composure and, with the forwards gaining the ascendency, began the fightback. Two tries and a long distance Matt Lucas penalty had the hosts ahead 20-13 by halftime. The Marlins jumped all over the Galloping Greens to open the second half, adding two further tries for a 32-13 advantage. Randwick threatened to mount a late comeback but Melrose's men held their nerve to secure win No.6 in a row. Nick Holton and Adrian Hall bagged doubles, while Ryan Melrose, Cam Bailey and Josh Turner picked up five pointers

Where it was won: There are big moments in every match but the effort of fullback Josh Turner to turn, chase 90m and run down the Wicks fullback following an intercept early in the game spoke volumes about the Marlins' commitment. Turner's effort set the tone for the rest of the game.

Marlins' best: Josh Turner, Adrian Hall, Kevin Fuavao

What they said: "The boys are playing some good footy against good sides. Randwick kept coming at us and we probably shouldn't have been made to sweat as much as we did, but it was good we closed it out." - halfback Matt Lucas

Odd Spot: There was a gentle whisper going around the Village Green that one Michael Hooper may be available for the Marlins this coming Saturday, given the Tahs have a bye. At the time of writing there had been no confirmation either way, but we live in hope

Where to from here: The Marlins are back at home against premiers Northern Suburbs this Saturday. It's the clash of the Shute Shield's two undefeated teams